Franklin Graham Says Orlando Shooting 'Symptom' of a 'Godless Nation'
The massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history that has captured the world's attention, was a "symptom" of the country's spiritual condition, asserts the Rev. Franklin Graham.
During a prayer rally held Wednesday in Madison, Wisconsin, a stop on the evangelist's "Decision America" tour, Graham said that America brought the mass shooting upon itself because it has become a "godless nation," reports The Cap Times.
Graham began the rally, which drew nearly 6,000 to Madison's Capitol Square, with prayer for the Orlando massacre's 49 dead, 53 injured, affected families and those in attendance.
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"It was a privilege to stand in prayer with thousands of people who love the Lord and love their country," wrote Graham on Facebook.
Although dissenters of the evangelist dotted the crowd, most were in silent protest, waving rainbow flags representing the LGBTQ community, signs promoting secular-themed messages, or donning hats promoting the message "God Bless America Again," seeming to immitate the presidential campaign slogan of presumptive GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.
Despite the opposition, Graham was satisfied with the rally, as he indicated on Facebook, writing, "Yes, there were some protesters," he wrote, "but that's okay; they heard the Gospel message I shared as well."
He continued, "Some atheists held signs that said, 'I'm not afraid to burn in hell.' That is very sad — one day they will change their minds. The Bible says that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Every person is going to face eternity in either Heaven or Hell. The most important thing in this lifetime is to trust God's Son, Jesus Christ, as your Savior and to follow Him as Lord for the rest of life."
